Recently I’ve been reflecting on the Japanese concept of ikigai—the idea that a life worth living is found at the intersection of four key elements: passion, mission, profession, and vocation. And then I recalled how sometimes your name can reflect or lead to discovering your purpose and passion in life. It’s fun, also, as I write my Renaissance novel inspired by Leonardo’s portrait of Mona Lisa, knowing that Lisa’s granddaughter was named Cassandra! I write more about how your name can help you discover your purpose on my blog>>
the heart of the Japanese concept of ikigai
At the heart of the Japanese concept of ikigai is the idea that a life worth living is found at the intersection of four key elements: passion, mission, profession, and vocation. More than just a career path or a personal passion, ikigai is about finding a deep sense of purpose—a reason to get up in the morning, a guiding star that brings meaning and joy to your life.
But how do you find this elusive balance? Let’s explore the components of ikigai, the steps you can take to discover your own, and a personal story of how I, Cassandra Gaisford—The Joyful Artist, found mine.
Understanding Ikigai: The Four Elements
Imagine ikigai as a Venn diagram where four circles overlap:
- What you love (Passion) – The activities that light you up, bring you joy, and make you lose track of time.
- What the world needs (Mission) – The contributions you can make that help others or create a positive impact.
- What you can be paid for (Profession) – Your skills, talents, and areas of expertise that provide financial support.
- What you are good at (Vocation) – Your natural abilities, strengths, and areas where you can excel.
True ikigai exists where all four elements intersect. Without one, something is missing:
- If you have passion and mission but no profession, you may struggle financially.
- If you have profession and vocation but no passion, you may feel empty or uninspired.
- If you have mission and vocation but no financial reward, you may feel undervalued or burnt out.
- If you have passion and profession but no impact, you may feel disconnected from a deeper purpose.
My Ikigai: Becoming The Joyful Artist During the Pandemic
During the pandemic, my world turned upside down. Like so many others, I faced uncertainty, isolation, and fear. But I also discovered something life-changing—my ikigai.
With the world in chaos, I turned to my art. At first, it was simply a form of self-care—a way to escape the noise and ground myself in joy. But something remarkable happened. As I shared my work online, people reached out, telling me how my vibrant paintings lifted their spirits during dark times.
That’s when it clicked. My passion for painting, my mission to inspire joy, my vocation as a creative, and my profession as an artist could all align.
I realized that my purpose wasn’t just creating art—it was helping others feel joy through creativity.
It wasn’t always easy. Self-doubt crept in. Would anyone really pay for my art? But I kept going, driven by the joy I felt and the joy I shared. Slowly, The Joyful Artist was born—not just as a brand, but as a way of living. My art became a bridge, connecting my soul with others’ hearts.
This is ikigai—living in the sweet spot where passion, purpose, and profession meet.
Steps to Find Your Ikigai
1. Look Inward: Identify What You Love
Reflect on the moments when you feel most alive. What activities absorb your attention fully? What topics could you talk about for hours? Often, your passions emerge from childhood interests, hobbies, or things you do for fun without any expectation of reward.
Journal Prompt: “What activities bring me joy, even if no one paid me to do them?”
2. Look Outward: Find What the World Needs
Observe the world around you. What problems or causes resonate deeply with you? Where do you feel compelled to help or contribute? Aligning your work with a mission that serves others adds meaning to your pursuits.
Journal Prompt: “What change would I like to see in the world, and how could I be part of that change?”
3. Look to Your Skills: Define What You Are Good At
Make an inventory of your strengths, talents, and skills. These might include technical abilities, soft skills, or natural talents. Don’t just limit yourself to job-related skills—life experiences, leadership abilities, and communication talents count too.
Journal Prompt: “What do people often come to me for help with?”
4. Look to Opportunity: Identify What You Can Be Paid For
Consider how your skills and passions can translate into a sustainable career or business. Research industries, roles, or services where your talents are needed. You may need to upskill or pivot, but there are often more paths than you initially imagine.
Journal Prompt: “What services or expertise could I offer that people would willingly pay for?”
Finding the Intersection: Where the Magic Happens
Once you have answered these questions, start mapping out the intersections:
- Passion + Mission: What causes or communities can you serve through what you love?
- Mission + Vocation: How can your strengths solve problems the world faces?
- Vocation + Profession: How can you monetize your unique skills?
- Profession + Passion: How can you bring creativity and joy to your career?
If you are unsure, start small—volunteer, experiment with side projects, or pursue hobbies that connect these dots. The more you take action, the clearer your ikigai becomes.
Embracing the Journey, Not Just the Destination
Ikigai isn’t a goal to reach but a path to walk. Your ikigai may shift over time as you grow, face new challenges, or gain new insights. Be patient and trust the process. Often, it’s through exploration, mistakes, and new experiences that your ikigai becomes clear.
Remember:
- Stay Curious: Explore new interests without pressure.
- Stay Open: Opportunities often come from unexpected places.
- Stay Committed: Pursuing your ikigai may take time, but it is worth the journey.
The Reward of Living with Ikigai
A life aligned with your ikigai brings more than success—it brings joy, fulfillment, and a deep connection to the world around you. When your daily work reflects your values and passions, it transforms from a job into a meaningful expression of who you are.
As I discovered during the pandemic, ikigai isn’t about one grand moment—it’s about a life lived with purpose, joy, and connection. It’s about showing up every day to do the work your heart feels called to do.
So, start the journey today. Ask yourself: What is my reason for being? What makes me come alive each day?
Your ikigai is waiting for you. All you need to do is begin.
a lovely memory
I wanted to share a lovely memory with you. When Bree and her mum visited my studio, they shared the really sad and unexpected passing of their much-loved dad and husband last year.
They fell in love with two paintings and left smiling. It’s so lovely that art can help heal the hole in our hearts this way.
As Picasso so sagely said, “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Joan Mitchell once said, “Put your feelings in there. Don’t just paint some shit like you don’t care.” As simple as it sounds, this quote holds the power to transform a painting into a living expression, a canvas brimming with raw emotion—a painting that touches people’s hearts.
I hope you enjoy this lovely memory
